ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS
About 20 % to 30 % of patients may experience side effects when the rectum is exposed to radiation without a protective gel in place, according to Dr. Arshvin.
That might be when minor as perhaps using the restroom more often. But it can be as serious as developing sores which bleed, and when this trouble happens, there’s no great care, ” he added.
Therefore, it may become a problem even decades after rays has been completed. ”
Out of the 150 people who benefitted from the treatment, none had significant genital lesions. Dr. Arshvin reported a drop in the percentage of patients who had minor symptoms after the gel was in place, from 30 % to 4 %.
Patients who have directly advanced prostate cancers, such as cancers that has re-encumbered the anus wall; those with pre-existing urinary loyalty; and others who are at higher risk of receiving general anesthesia may not be able to get the treatment.
Mr. David Peter Dowdell, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer next month, is one of the people who have undergone the procedure.
The 63-year-old did not hesitate when offered the option, and went for it next September.
The producer of a technology company began his radiation therapy almost a month later, and he has completed 41 classes at the NCIS in the span of two months.
“Medically sometimes, you ca n’t have this gel, ” said Mr Dowdell, who experienced no side effects from his radiation.
“ But for those who can, it should n’t be an option. It should be part of the process. ”
The NUH group is training physicians at various public hospitals in this new procedure.
Associate Professor Edmund Chiong, nose and senior analyst at NUH’s Department of Urology, said: “By adopting this approach, we are not just aiming to treat prostate cancer.
We are also focused on enhancing the convenience and quality of life for our clients both before and after treatment. ”